Bata Macher Jhal recipe is delectable Bengali fish curry, that is prepared with Labeo bata aka bata fish, mustard seeds and a melange of spices. Which is easy-to-make and can be relished by people of all age groups.
Bata is a small size freshwater fish and is a native to India and Bangladesh. So bata macher jhal is a common dish in West Bengal and Bangladesh. The best part is instead of bata other fish can be used to make this curry. Such as Pabda, Parse, Hilsa or any fish of your choice.
Jhal basically means spicy. The recipe I am sharing is my version of the bata macher jhal. If you are a fish lover. You will definitely love this.
To make this you need mustard oil, nigella seeds, tomato, green chili and a fine smooth spice paste made with black mustard seeds, cumin seeds, Kashmiri dry red chili (non-spicy), onion and garlic. The addition of dry red chili lends a beautiful flavor to the curry. You can even use deseeded dry red chili or chili powder instead.
Serve this bata macher jhal with some steamed rice and enjoy with your loved ones.
Let’s learn how I made this.
Bata Macher Jhal Recipe
INGREDIENTS ( 1 CUP = 240 ML )
For Fish Fry
- 4 Bata fish
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- Salt as required
For Spice Paste
- 1 tsp black mustard seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1 Kashmiri dry red chili non-spicy
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tbsp chopped onion
- A pinch of salt
For The Gravy
- 1 tbsp mustard oil
- 1 bay leaf
- ½ tsp nigella seeds
- ½ tsp turmeric powder
- 1 green chili
- 1 cup water
- 1 tomato cut into slices
- Salt as required
- 2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves for garnishing optional
INSTRUCTIONS
- Soak the mustard seeds, cumin seeds, Kashmiri red chili in warm water for an hour.
To fry The Fish
- Wash and clean the fish well. Rub with turmeric powder and salt and keep aside for 10 minutes
- Heat oil in a pan. Once the oil turns hot add the fish one by one to the hot oil.
- Fry them until both sides turn golden. Take out from oil and set aside.
To Make The Spice Paste
- Drain the water from mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and Kashmiri red chili and transfer them to a blending jar.
- Add garlic, chopped onion, and salt. Blend into a smooth paste. If needed add 1-2 tbsp water but not more. The addition of salt helps in making the paste smooth.
To Make Bata Macher Jhal Recipe
- Heat oil in the same pan that is used for frying the fish.
- Add bay leaf, nigella seeds. Once the seeds start crackling add the spice paste.
- Now saute the spices for 4-5 minutes over medium flame until oil separates.
- Add tomato slices, green chili, salt, and turmeric powder. Saute for a minute.
- Then add water and once the water starts to boil carefully add the fried fish. Cover and cook for 6-7 minutes over medium flame. Flip the fish once in between to cook evenly.
- At this point, check for the seasoning. Adjust salt accordingly.
- Now add chopped coriander leaves and turn off the flame.
- Bata macher jhal is ready to serve. Serve hot with piping hot rice.
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